Warning: Contents under pressure. Oh, and by the way, none of these characters are mine, yet...I enter negotiations for Darian and Malachite sometime in the summer of 2099.

Status Report:

(Currently watching episodes of Sailor Moon Season One)

Darian: Was I that much of a pansy?

Malachite: (rolling on floor in fits of laughter)

Upon entering her office, Mina found a package on her desk with a card resting on top of it. Curiousity overcame her as she tore open the envelope.

"To my beautiful dancing Princess. Meet me in the garden at sundown. Prince Marron"

Mina set down the letter and opened the box. She pulled out a light yellow spaghetti strap dress that fell to her ankles. She couldn't help but let a smile slip out. This was the sweetest thing any man had done for her.

"Well, why not?" she asked herself. If Malachite didn't want her, she shouldn't let it get to her. The best thing to do was forget about him. Prince Marron at least seems genuinely interested.

Mina looked out her window as she slipped the dress on over her head. It was time for her to be in the garden and she was just now getting ready. Putting on her sandals, she rushed out her door and headed to the gardens. She turned the corner and ran smack into General Nephlite and Malachite.

"Sorry!" she called behind her as she took off for the garden again.

Malachite stared after her until she was out of sight. He couldn't shake the feelings he had for her out of his head. He knew that he felt something when she had kissed him, but he didn't know what. It took every ounce of self control he had not to grab her and press her against him and kiss her passionately after she kissed him in her office. And that thought scared him more than anything. He knew the best thing to do was to stay away from her.

Mina ran breathless into the garden, her chest heaving with the effort of running down several flights of stairs and through the main hall. She was suddenly self conscious of her mussed hair from all that running. As she moved a stray hair out of her face, she felt a hand on her side. Suddenly, she was twirled around, looking up to find herself in Prince Marron's arms.

"Hello my Princess," he said with a heart melting smile.

A blush crept into her cheeks. "Good evening Prince Marron."

"Just Marron please."

Mina's blush deepened. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Marron."

"Trust me Princess, the pleasure is all mine."

Mina didn't think her face could get any redder. "Mina, if you don't mind."

"Mina," he murmered, her name rolling off his tongue. He gazed into her eyes, his hand stroking her cheek. "You are the most beautiful creature to have walked this universe."

Mina smiled up at him. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she laughed.

"Everywhere? Even your heart?"

"That might take a little more," Mina said, her eyes clouding over for a moment as Malachite entered her mind. She brushed aside that painful memory and looked back up at Maron. "So? What did you have planned for this evening?"

Marron took her hand and guided her through the garden, stopping by a large tree. She looked down to see a blanket laid out and a picnic basket of food. She smiled at Marron. This was going to be a fun evening.

Marron sat down next to Mina, gazing at her profile. A sadness entered her face for a second. He wondered why such a beautiful woman would ever be sad. He wanted to do anything he could to take her mind off whatever it was.

"Lay with me," he whispered in her ear, causing her to jump slightly. Marron laid back, facing the sky. Mina laid beside him, also looking at the sky. Marron pointed up to a cloud in the sky. "That one looks like a swan."

Mina turned her head sideways. "Yeah, a little fat though for a swan." A low silky laugh came out of his mouth, causing butterflies to start dancing around her stomach. She looked back up to the sky. She pointed at a large clump. "Well, that one looks like Serena stuffing her face." At that, both of them started laughing.

"It...really...does," he said between breaths.

Mina and Marron were able to name a few more cloud shapes, including a flower, a pigeon, and a momma cow, before it was too dark to see anymore. As the suns last rays dissipated, the lights in the garden came on, giving them enough light to eat their meal.

Marron watched as Mina brought a strawberry to her lips and took a bite. A dribble of strawberry juice escaped and began to run down her chin. Without thinking, Marron reached over and wiped it away with his thumb.

Mina turned and looked at him, swallowing hard to get the nervous lump out of her throat. Marron had scooted closer to her and she saw his hand come up to cup her cheek.

"You are so beautiful," he murmured.

Mina smiled. "Thank you." The butterflies in her stomach started fluttering around overtime as she saw him lean close to kiss her. She had a fleeting thought to turn away, but refused to let her emotions for Malachite get in the way. Marron's lips touched hers, a warm light kiss that made Mina feel light headed.

Marron pulled away, seeing Mina's cheeks flushed. He smiled warmly at her, causing her cheeks to redden even more. "You taste so good," he murmured as he leaned in again to kiss her. This time, he didn't pull away.

Mina let him kiss her again, loving the softness of his lips. She felt him press harder on her lips, more passion coming into the kiss. She felt her body responding to him and pressing harder against his mouth. Marron moved as close to her as possible, taking the back of her head into his other hand. She allowed him to open her mouth, letting his tongue to slip inside. He began to tease her tongue with his, making the excitement in Mina grow. She let him lay her back on the blanket, his body pressed tightly against hers. She could feel every contour, every shape. She allowed herself to fall into his kiss, losing herself in the moment. As his hand slid down her side, thoughts of Malachite entered her mind. She imagined Malachite's hands on her, caressing her side, her hips, her thighs. She felt his lips on hers, full of passion and unforgotten promises. A soft moan escaped Mina's throat.

Marron felt it a second before Mina jerked away. She was out of breath and red all over. She turned away from him, her eyes clouded over with sadness.

"I'm sorry," Marron said softly. "If I did anything-"

"No," Mina stopped him. "You didn't do anything." She smiled warmly at him. "I just think that I should be heading to bed. I have lots of work to do tomorrow..." she trailed off.

Marron sighed. "Will you allow me to walk you to your room?"

"Of course, Marron. I would enjoy your company."

Marron stood and helped Mina off the ground. She lost her balance for a second and Marron caught her. She gazed up into his eyes, her heart starting to pound. "Sorry," she whispered.

Marron just smiled down at her. "There's nothing to be sorry about, Mina."

Mina smiled and straightened up. Marron offered his arm to her and she took it. They walked in silence towards the castle. Mina looked up to see Malachite standing on the balcoy above her, staring blankly ahead, not even noticing her.

Marron saw Mina's eyes cloud over in pain and longing as she glanced up at the General standing on the balcony. A surge of anger and jealousy coursed through his body. He was the reason Mina was hurt. Well, he would end that pain and make Mina the happiest woman in all the universe. First, she had to let him in.

Mina tried to ignore the guilt that swept over her as Malachite turned slightly in her direction. She knew he saw her with Prince Marron and for some reason she felt like she was betraying Malachite. She sighed.

Marron looked over at her, and she gave him a reassuring smile. Get over it girl. You have a gorgeous Prince that wants you. Stop pouting about that damnedable General and make the best of what you have.

Marron escorted Mina up to her room in silence.

"Well, this is me," she said, standing in front of her door. She looked down at her feet, at a loss for words. Marron raised his hand to her chin and lifted her head.

"I had a wonderful time, Princess Mina," he told her softly. She smiled.

"I enjoyed myself."

Marron leaned close and brushed his lips lightly across hers. "Until we meet again." He walked down the hall, away from her.

Mina's hand went up to her lips as she smiled. "Until next time," she whispered to herself.